In 1819, made and sold Britain's first bicycle in its hobby-horse form. As a coachmaker Johnson was able to make significant improvements to the two-wheel velocipede, as invented by von Drais. He obtained a patent for his "pedestrian curricle", manufactured them and opened a school teaching people how to ride them. They became a bit of a craze with even the Prince Regent riding them.
Died at home and was buried at St Martin's Chapel, Camden Town.
See also John Kemp Starley,
This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Denis Johnson
City of Westminster Denis Johnson (c.1760 - 1833) from his workshop on this ...
Hotelier. Born Switzerland, son of a peasant farmer. Started work as a waiter and worked his way up, in Paris, Vienna, Lucerne, etc. Came to London in 1889 as the manager of Richard D'Oyly Carte's...
Pubwiki have a good page on this pub. A tavern has existed here since at least 1690. Known as the White Horse from at least 1745. Rebuilt c.1868-70 and again 1927-8. Closed and was demolished in 20...
Established in 1866 this Building Society was closed down in 1984 by the Registrar of Friendly Societies for what were then considered unsafe business practices. From This Is Money: "The New Cross ...
Founded in London, now the oldest existing insurance company in the world.
Businessman. Founder of the John Jaques and Son Toy Company, which produced and patented ping pong equipment. See also Jaques of London.
Comments are provided by Facebook, please ensure you are signed in here to see them